The back-and-forth between Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the word “guru” continued at the weekend, with Zahid saying he had never needed to learn from Anwar.
Speaking during his winding-up speech at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly, Zahid said he had never learned from Anwar before suggesting that a capable student does not necessarily need a teacher.
“I never learned from him,” Zahid reportedly said.
He then added that a “smart student does not need a teacher”, in what appeared to be another response to the ongoing exchange between the two leaders.
The “guru” jabs began during Zahid’s presidential address, when he repeatedly referred to an unnamed person as “guru” while raising concerns over several government policies.
Among the issues he highlighted was the handling of the Budi95 petrol subsidy quota, which had previously been reduced before being restored.
“Enough, guru. Listen to our voices, guru,” Zahid said.
Although Zahid did not directly name Anwar, his remarks were widely interpreted as being directed at the Prime Minister.
Anwar later joined the exchange in a Facebook post after arriving in New Delhi, India, for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
Playing along with the reference, Anwar wrote that “Guru has safely arrived in New Delhi” to represent Malaysia at the summit, before urging Malaysians to pray for the success of the country’s diplomatic mission.
He also added a playful remark urging “students” to learn from Guru about putting MADANI Diplomacy into practice.
Zahid subsequently fired back during his winding-up speech, reiterating that he had never learned from Anwar and suggesting that those who are capable do not always need a teacher.
The exchange has attracted attention online, particularly given the two leaders’ long political history and their current positions within the Unity Government.
Despite the public jabs, UMNO leaders have maintained that the party remains committed to the Unity Government until the end of the current parliamentary term.
